Other RBs get chances with Jets' 2 starters absent

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. 
Danny Woodhead is the New York Jets' new starting running back.

Well, at least for now.

With Pro Bowlers Thomas Jones and Leon Washington sitting out organized team activities while in contract disputes, Woodhead has been getting the majority of carries as the only true running back at the voluntary practices this week.

"It really doesn't impact us," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday. "It just provides opportunities for other guys, for Woodhead and people like that, to step in there and show what they can do."

Fullbacks Tony Richardson and Jehuu Caulcrick are also getting some carries, while third-round pick Shonn Greene is expected back sometime next week after Iowa's spring semester ends.

"We're just trying to work together and do what we can," Woodhead said. "We want the offense to keep running smoothly and we're doing our best to make things work."

Jones made the Pro Bowl last season after leading the AFC with 1,312 yards rushing, but has boycotted all voluntary activities this offseason while trying to renegotiate his contract. He's entering the third year of a four-year $20 million deal that was front-loaded with $13.1 million over the first two seasons. Jones is scheduled to make only $900,000 in base salary this season.

Jones and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have been mostly quiet on the talks. On his Twitter page, Rosenhaus said on Wednesday that he worked out with Jones, and earlier this week posted: "The media has made a big deal about Thomas Jones missing voluntary workouts. Let's see if they take the same approach with Leon Washington."

Well, Washington's absence is a big deal, and for good reason. Washington made the Pro Bowl last season as a kick returner and provides a speedy, elusive spark – a perfect complement to Jones' physical, hard-style of running.

Washington attended voluntary activities before this week, but hasn't been at the Jets' facility since OTAs began Monday. He's due to earn $535,000 this season, which is the final year of his rookie deal. Washington is believed to be looking for at least $5 million a year, similar to the deals Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew and San Diego's Darren Sproles – players he has often been compared to – received this offseason.

Ryan was complimentary of Washington when asked how he felt about the running back "taking off."

"Well, I love it when he takes off and he's got the ball under his arm," Ryan said with a smile. "To me, he's a great player. He's one of my favorite guys. I love him. I love the energy, everything about him. He's a real positive guy.

"Hey, what his decision was, we all understand that this is a voluntary camp and all that stuff. Would I like him to be here? Absolutely. No question, I would love for Leon to be here, and Thomas. He chose not to be here and that's unfortunate."

On Wednesday, Washington's agent, Alvin Keels, indicated on his Twitter page that talks had taken a positive turn with general manager Mike Tannenbaum. "Jets fans, everything will be fine," Keels wrote. "Myself and Mike T will put our heads together and continue to work."

Although OTAs are voluntary, only Jones and Washington have been absent this week. Mandatory minicamp is June 9-11, and Ryan anticipates both running backs being in attendance.

"Yeah because that word 'mandatory,' I think would be, to me, I'm not the smartest guy, but I think you should be here if it's mandatory," he said. "I would expect (Washington) to be here, and I would expect Thomas to be here as well."

In the meantime, Woodhead is making the most of his increased repetitions and Ryan said he has been impressed by him. The speedy, 5-foot-7 former Chadron State star was quickly becoming a favorite after being signed as an undrafted free agent last summer, but tore up his left knee early in camp and missed the season.

"This is what everyone wants," said Woodhead, who once held the NCAA career rushing record. "They want to get as many reps as possible, and I'm cherishing this thing. I don't have enough time to think about whether I'm sore or I'm tired."

Notes:@ Fifth overall pick QB Mark Sanchez was slated to graduate from Southern California on Friday and participate in the next round of OTAs next week. ... Ryan on getting fired up watching his team practice: "The more I'm here, the more I realize, 'My gosh, this is my team. This is our team.' It's like, 'Wow, this is really exciting.'" ... Recently re-signed TE Bubba Franks wasn't in uniform, but was at practice in sweats while he recovers from a knee ailment. He's expected to be ready for training camp.